Bolognese Spaghetti: A delicious blend of rich tomato sauce, hearty ground beef, and fragrant fresh basil come together in this classic Italian dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, Bolognese Spaghetti captures the essence of comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 500g lean minced beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery sticks, diced
– 400g canned chopped tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato puree
– 200ml beef stock
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 400g spaghetti
– Fresh basil leaves, torn
– Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Preparing the Bolognese Sauce:
1. In a large saucepan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook for a few minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the diced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, beef stock, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sauce gently simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Cooking the Spaghetti:
1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
2. Return the spaghetti to the pot, add a ladle of the Bolognese sauce, torn basil leaves, and a splash of the cooking water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
Serving the Bolognese Spaghetti:
1. Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and top with a generous spoonful of the Bolognese sauce.
2. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Tips for a Perfect Bolognese Spaghetti:
– For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
– To make the sauce ahead of time, cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for one month.
– Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch to the dish, but you can also sprinkle some dried basil during cooking if fresh is not available.
Final Thoughts:
Bolognese Spaghetti is a versatile and comforting meal that never fails to delight. Its simplicity, paired with the depth of flavors from the slow-cooked sauce and fresh basil, makes it a favorite among many. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor every bite of this classic pasta dish enriched with the goodness of fresh basil.